Moise Nkundabarashi, the President of Rwanda Bar Association, has been elected Vice President for the Eastern Africa region in the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU). His term will run from 2025 to 2028. Nkundabarashi described the appointment as a unique opportunity to advance the legal profession across the continent, aligning with the Bar’s mandate to collaborate regionally and internationally. “As part of our mission established by law, we are encouraged to forge partnerships with regional, continental, and international bodies,” he told The New Times. “This role will allow us to advocate for the profession, build capacity among members, facilitate legal and cultural exchange, and promote Pan-Africanism and the rule of law.” ALSO READ: Nkundabarashi, President of Rwanda Bar Association, on his agenda Nkundabarashi was elected on June 27 during PALU’s 15th General Assembly and Annual Conference, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from June 25 to 27. This year’s conference was themed “Justice through Reparations.” He succeeds Ethiopian legal expert Tewodros Getachew Tulu, who now assumes the role of PALU President and will lead the continental body’s Executive Committee. Other newly elected regional vice presidents are Djerandi Laguerre Dionro (Central Africa), Womba Silumbu Kankondo (Southern Africa), Koffi Sylvain Mensah Attoh (Western Africa). ALSO READ: Legal partnership to enhance Africa’s negotiating power Advocate Getachew brings a wealth of legal experience and a strong record of promoting justice, human rights, and the rule of law across Africa. The newly sworn-in committee has been entrusted with steering PALU through its next chapter, focusing on deepening legal cooperation, human rights advocacy, and institutional reforms under the Pan-African vision. “Their collective vision, commitment, and expertise will be critical in championing the interests of legal professionals and citizens across the continent,” reads a statement from PALU. “This will be done under the overarching theme of ‘Justice Through Reparations’.” Established in 2002, PALU is Africa’s premier continental lawyers’ network. It serves as a platform for legal professionals and bar associations to promote the rule of law, good governance, freedom of expression, and anti-corruption efforts, while fostering unity and cooperation within Africa’s legal community.
